Sport for development and peace

This report is an updated version of a master’s thesis entitled ‘The growing importance of nongovernmental organisations (NGOs) and intergovernmental organisations (IGOs) in the Sport for Development and Peace context’. Apart from the known effects of sport in terms of physical and mental health, it is increasingly recognised as a tool for development and peace, which is embraced by the Sport for Development and Peace movement. The first objective is twofold. In a descriptive part, this study aims to provide a general overview of the SDP movement, while maintaining an awareness of its full complexity. What are the historical underpinnings and dynamics of the movement? Who are the main actors? A subsequent analytical part will follow. Why is the cooperation with the traditional development cooperation sector mired by great difficulty and distrust? What are the main challenges faced by SDP projects? The second objective is to illustrate the increasing importance of NGOs such as the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in an international relations in the SDP context, and to focus on the power of the IOC. Why has the IOC received such a prominent place to sport on the UN agenda? Why are the IOC and the UN such strong advocates of the movement, and is this motivated by a sincere sense of responsibility or does self-interest factor into the equation? Can sporting mega-events, organised by the IOC or IFs, be reconciled with the aims and principles of SDP?